For many college students, the show “The O.C” left an imprint in their high school, even middle school years. The

show, created by Josh Schwartz (who attended the University of Southern California) was a phenomenon when it aired, and then was added to many DVD collections when it ended. “The O.C” skyrocketed many of the actors’ careers, and for many of them, their breakout roles came from the show. They all went their separate ways artistically after the last season ended, but they are far from being out of showbiz. Here is a look at some of the character’s profiles, and the answers to: Where is the cast now?

Benjamin Mckenzie played Ryan Atwood, the troubled newcomer at Newport Beach.

McKenzie now plays rookie Officer Ben Sherman in the TNT drama “Southland.” The show takes a look at Los Angeles and the LAPD officers who patrol the city. Although “Southland” is on hiatus currently, McKenzie is keeping busy; he has one film in post-production and another in filming. He was also in one episode of “Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and is the Bruce Wayne voice in the video “Batman: Year One.”

Adam Brody played Seth Cohen, the awkward teen who was known for his sarcastic remarks and pop culture references.

Brody is now the voice of Woodie on MTV’s “Good Vibes,” and his character is a down-to-earth outcast (similar in that aspect to his role on the “The O.C.”), and likes to surf and have a good time. Brody currently has two movies in post-production and one movie in pre-production, all set to be released in 2012. Before that, he had roles in movies such as “Jennifer’s Body” (2009), “Cop Out” (2010), and "Scre4m" (2011).

 

Rachel Bilson played Summer Roberts, the socialite “bitch” and materialistic gossip of the four main characters.

Bilson is now the star of the new CW show “Hart of Dixie.” Her character, Zoe Hart, aspires to be a cardiothoracic surgeon like her father, and moves to Alabama to work a small practice after being disappointed in New York. Through her character’s experiences and interactions, she discovers a part of her that she did not know was there. Before taking up that role, Bilson also guest starred in shows such as “Chuck” and “How I Met Your Mother.” She also starred in the movies “Jumper” (2008), “New York, I Love You” (2009), and “Waiting For Forever.” (2010) She is also a major fashion icon to fashionistas everywhere, and launched a collection called Edie Rose.

Mischa Barton played Marissa Cooper, the resident bad girl on the show who dies in the fourth season.

After “The O.C.,” Barton appeared in many small movies and TV shows. Her latest roles were in the movies “The Sibling” (2011) and “You and I” (2011). She returned to TV in 2009 when she had a starring role in CW’s short-lived “The Beautiful Life: TBL” and appeared in an episode of “Law and Order: SVU” in 2010. She has several movies in production as of current. Barton also does charity work and is the spokesperson for Climate Star, an organization that fights global warming. She is a fashion icon for many women as well.

Peter Gallagher played Sandy Cohen, the supporting father of Seth, wife of Kirsten Cohen, and legal guardian of Ryan.

Gallagher appeared in several TV shows after “The O.C.” He was in Showtime’s “Californication,” FX’s “Rescue Me,” and is currently on USA’s “Covert Affairs” as Arthur Campbell. His character is the CIA Director of the National Clandestine Service. Gallagher also had roles in movies such as "The Wars Boys" (2009), "Conviction" (2010), and "Burlesque" (2010). He currently has one film in pre-production.

 

Kelly Rowan played Kirsten Cohen, who was initially against Ryan coming into their home.

Rowan appeared in several TV series and TV movies after “The O.C.” She guest starred in “CSI: Miami” in 2009, and “Flashpoint” in 2010, which were both TV series. She was also in the TV movies “The Good Times Are Kiling Me” in 2009 and "Cyberbully” in 2011. She currently has a show, “Perception” in post-production, which is a crime drama scheduled to be premiered on TNT in the summer of 2012.

Melinda Clarke played Julie Cooper, the witty and manipulative mother of Marissa and Kaitin Cooper.

Clarke now plays the character Amanda on CW’s “Nikita.” Her character is a psychologist and a master manipulator, similar in that aspect to Clarke’s role on “The O.C.” Before “Nikita,” Clarke also appeared in a myriad of TV shows including “Entourage,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Eli Stone,” “Chuck,” ‘”King of the Hill,” and “Reaper.”

Willa Holland played Kaitlin Cooper, a recurring character on the show.

After “The O.C.,” Holland appeared in several movies. She was in “Middle of Nowhere” (2008), “A Summer in Genoa” (2008), “Legion” (2009), and most recently, "Straw Dogs“ (2011). She was also the voice of the video game “Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep” in 2010, and appeared in several episodes of CW’s “Gossip Girl” in 2008 and 2010. She currently has a completed movie “Tiger Eyes” that is scheduled to be released in 2012.

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